13 Best Vegan Bags That Are Worth Buying In 2024
You'll love the timeless style of these guilt-free bags that are perfect for taking on the go.
Michelle Wagman is a fashion industry entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience as a designer’s agent. She is also the editor-in-chief of FashionEdits, a fashion and lifestyle blog. She graduated from FIT with a degree in fashion merchandising and has worked with notable designers on 7th Avenue in NYC.
Read full bio of Michelle Wagman
Experience: 3 yearsThe day Priyam learned that having strong opinions about everyday products can be a full-fledged writing career was the greatest day of her life. Partially driven by a passion for everything timeless, she likes to explore and recommend styles and makeup products that will endure the test of trends.
Read full bio of Priyam Gupta
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Experience: 3 yearsAsmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor.
Read full bio of Asmita De
Image: Shutterstock
It is time you stop feeling guilty for your endless love for leather bags! How? Well, we are here to harp about the best vegan bags that look like the real deal but without the burden of animal cruelty. A genuine leather bag is an all-time classic, but can you use it guilt-free after learning how the leather is acquired? Obviously not. The other fallback option is faux leather bags made of PVC material. Unfortunately, PVC or polyvinyl chloride is non-biodegradable. So, as you can see, both these options are not eco-friendly.
On the other hand, vegan bags are made of sustainable materials like recycled plastics, fruit skins, the bark of trees, and other such environment-friendly products. No living or dead animals are harmed in their manufacturing process. They are easily biodegradable and do not harm the planet. These animal-friendly bags are available in various styles and at different price points to cater to different consumer groups. More and more eco-conscious celebrities and fashion stylists and influencers are advocating for these bags. Several bestselling brands have come up and filled the demand for clean fashion items. So, if you want to make clean and stylishly sustainable choices that are also fashionable, check out the best vegan bags available on the market right now. Scroll down to find out more!
In This Article
What Are Vegan Leather Bags?
Polyurethane is a polymer that is often used in making vegan leather. However, it is a plastic material that is used in the field of fashion. Since it poses a threat to unsuspecting animals and the environment at large, vegan leather producers are now making plant-based leather that is made from sustainable materials such as pineapple leaves, cork, apple peels, and other fruit waste. Recycled or upcycled plastic too, is used to create a safe alternative to demolish the need to harm animals for leather.
13 Best Vegan Leather Bags That Let You Shop Guilt-Free
1. Best Overall: Montana West Hobo Bag
Hobo bags are fun and chic! The Montana West Hobo Bag is a great addition to your everyday wardrobe. It is made with soft and durable vegan leather and offers a large capacity to store belongings in one place. The dual long and short straps add to the comfort. The side pockets, careful stitching, and decorated studs add to the elegance of the bag. The reviews mention the inner pockets in the bag can securely hold your phone and the adjustable straps fit comfortably on the shoulders. Fashion stylist Michelle Wagman says, “A hobo bag is a handbag typically oversized and slouchy with a crescent shape. It is usually made of soft, flexible materials such as leather or fabric and has a single strap that can be worn over the shoulder.”
- Durable straps
- Ample side pockets
- Large capacity
- Versatile
- Lightweight
- Sturdy design
- Fragile zippers
2. Best Multipurpose:ECOSUSI Faux Leather Briefcase
Gone are the days of sad bulky messenger bags you’d need to carry your laptop. This laptop-brief bag from ECOSUSI, a brand that is known for luxury vegan handbags, can fit a 15.6-inch laptop and is well-protected in a padded sleeve. Its multiple zippered and pockets leave you with much ease and access to the compartments. The faux leather used to coat the bag stays in a great shape and condition over repeated use. Alongside its functional features, the aesthetics of the bag itself is next level chic. Adding a dash of cute with a vegan leather bow tied on the handle just completes the overall look of this vegan crossbody bag, making it a perfect gift choice.
- Features strong magnetic snaps
- Detachable shoulder
- Fits laptop up to 15.6-inch laptop/device
- Multipurpose as a briefcase, hand, shoulder or crossbody bag
- Padded laptop sleeve
- Some may find the bag too heavy.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 6,117 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
3. Best Spacious: Badgley Mischka Diana Vegan Leather Tote Bag
The Badgley Mischka Diana Tote Bag is made with vegan leather and can make a great fashion statement. The drop shoulder chain makes the look chic and adds to its elegance. The interior is well-lined with soft fabric for easy storage. The roomy main compartment provides ample interior organizational pockets. The quilted vegan leather construction and top turn-lock closure make it the perfect everyday bag.
- Lined interior
- Interior pockets
- Top turn-lock closure
- Slightly flimsy
Did You Know?4. Best Travel-Friendly: Norway Vegan Leather Makeup Bag
The Norway Vegan Leather Makeup Bag is available in two sizes to meet dynamic storage requirements. It comes with a spacious main compartment with three separate pockets. The easy-access pockets on the sides help with the quick sorting of fashion essentials. The fabric is soft, durable, and water-resistant. The zip-top closure and reliable double zippers add to the ease. Multiple reviewers mention the bag is spacious enough to fit their necessary items without getting cluttered. This vegan bag is available in multiple colors and patterns to be your trip’s best storage companion.
- Easy access pockets
- Available in 2 sizes
- Soft fabric
- Water-resistant
- Multiple compartments
- Available in multiple colors
None
5. Best With USB Charging Port: Matein Convertible Leather Women’s Backpack
The Matein’s Convertible Leather Women’s Backpack comes with versatile styling options – a shoulder bag, handbag, and backpack to meet your different matching needs. This leather purse backpack is made with waterproof fabric and is easy to clean. The smooth zippers, adjustable buckle, and double tassels add ease and style. Its sturdy design and spacious main compartment make it a great pick. The back anti-theft pocket and other abundant pockets offer ample space for storing your stuff in one place. This sophisticated and innovative bag comes with a USB port for charging your devices conveniently.
- Multiple pockets
- Large capacity
- High-quality fabric
- Anti-theft pocket
- Value for money
- Durable
None
6. Best Tear-Resistant:JW PEI Eva Shoulder Bag
We all love sustainable, high-quality vegan bags, especially when it’s the one from JW Pei. The brand is known to use recycled plastic to curate their designer vegan bags in an effort to promote sustainable fashion choice. And so, the inner lining of this bag features recycled plastic. Inspired by 90’s fashionista Rachel Green, the Eva vegan purse is made from premium quality canvas that is anti-scratch and tear as well as water resistant. The contemporary bag comes with 1 zip closure and 1 interior pocket along with 1 slip pocket.
- Made from recycled plastic
- Commemorates 90’s aesthetic
- High quality canvas that is anti-scratch
- Tear and water-resistant
- May not be able to fit too many things
7. Best Versatile Use: Rofozzi Black Lane Leather Handbag
Carry the versatile Rofozzi Black Lane Leather handbag as a tote or as a crossbody to flaunt your looks! This leather handbag comes with bright interiors and a versatile top handle. It is water-resistant and the wide compartments offer the utmost convenience. The front quick-access pockets and handy back pockets add to the ease of locating essentials and other fashion accessories.. This vegan handbag can easily fit an iPad, cell phone, and other stuff and is not very high maintenance. It is a classy everyday carry with quick grab-and-go handles.
- Bright interior
- Quick-access pockets
- Water-resistant
- Cruelty-free
- Handy access back pocket
- Functional design
- Not durable
Pro Tip8. Best Lightweight:MFK Collection By Mia K Braylee Tote
Here’s how you can boost your outfit accessory from 1 to 100 with this designer bag from the MFK Collection. The Braylee vegan leather tote bag is made from high-quality PU material. To meet your conveniences, the bag comes with 2 slide-in pockets on the sides and a zip closure at the back and a spacious interior for your items with 2 zippered pockets. he reviews mention the product has multiple compartments for storage and it feels light on the shoulders and hands. The hardware of the bag follows an ever luxurious high-grade gold tone that adds to the charm of this bag. It also features a sparkling gold keychain to match the hardware — but if you aren’t a fan of it, you can always remove it.
- Spacious
- Lightweight and durable
- Luxurious design
- High-grade hardware
- Smooth luxe vegan leather
- The material might seem stiff to some.
9. Best Anti-Theft:Kenneth Cole Reaction On Track Pack
Faux leather has never felt better with the Kenneth Cole Backpack. This beast of a backpack can easily install a 15.6 inch laptop and has further space to store your other items. Being designed by one of the best vegan bags brands you can expect no less than perfection with its fully-lined, main compartment interior. A mesh zipper pocket enhances the look of the bag while dual open slip pockets and a fully padded rear compartment are finessed to secure your belongings. This bag also comes with an anti-theft radio frequency identification (RFID) blocking technology in the pockets to block radio waves from being transmitted from U.S. passports and certain credit/debit cards.
- Faux leather bag
- Anti-theft RFID installed
- Fits up to 15.6 inch laptop
- Dual-sided beverage holster pockets
- Size may seem small to some
10. Best Sleek Look: Viva Terry Vegan Leather Crossbody Bag
The Viva Terry Vegan Leather Crossbody Bag is the best pick for an elegant stylish look! This handbag is extremely roomy, and the main compartment can easily store your belongings. The abundant pockets with zipper closures are the stars. This vegan leather crossbody bag comes with adjustable straps that can be removed and exchanged for another printed design. It is a medium-sized bag with a crossbody feature that offers a chic look and great storage facilities.
- Multi-functional
- Adjustable straps
- Zipper closure
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Available in multiple shades
- Travel-friendly
- Expensive
11. Best Non-Toxic Construction: The Honest Company City Backpack
The Honest Company City Backpack is where fashion meets hassle-free storage. This vegan leather backpack has a sturdy frame and is suitable for storing necessities. It features a zippered pocket, extra interior pockets, and a protective bottom lining for comfort. The backpack’s construction is free of toxic foams and other harmful substances.
- Spacious
- Multipurpose use
- Zippered pockets
- Free of heavy metals
- No toxic foams
None
12. Best Adjustable Straps:Pinafore Boutique Tan Vegan Leather Crossbody Bag
You can never have too many vegan crossbody bags! They’re uniquely designed and are epic at keeping your essentials organized. This vegan crossbody purse comes with a printed adjustable and removable strap that adds a pop of color to the bag. The hardware features are gold toned. You can easily fit a laptop or tab up to 13 inches in the bag as well as keep more items in its deep pocket. Multiple reviewers mention that the bag is durable and remains light even after putting in all the daily essentials.
- Curated with durable vegan leather
- Printed guitar strap that is adjustable as well as removable
- Deep front pocket
- Fits laptop up to 13 inches
- The bag lacks interior pockets.
13. Best Stylish:Hoxis Classical Crossbody Bag
Clear bags are definitely a statement piece as they’re transparent and well, a treat for the eyes, literally. This clear vegan crossbody purse is simplistic and edgy with chic grommet detailing on the strap. There’s 1 main compartment which lets you store your necessities. The exclusive bag is lightweight yet has enough space to hold your phone, wallet, keys, and other items. Clear bags are not only stylish, but are also helpful in security maintained compounds such as concerts, malls, amusement parks, etc where you need not show your belongings inside the bag.
- Stylish and edgy
- Clear PVC see-through bag with vegan leather lining
- Durable
- Spacious
- Sturdy vegan leather base
- Unremovable strap
Vegan bags are more than just a trend—they represent a responsible, mindful, and progressive choice. They can be just as fun and stylish as animal-derived leather, especially when you know you’re consciously making a good decision to eliminate animal-abused products. Vegan leather bags add versatility and variety in their textures, unique designs, and colors because different vegan handbags brands incorporate different materials to procure vegan leather. This gives you more reason to buy these bags and makes less room in your storage. But,we do have a few suggestions on how you can choose your vegan leather bag so you don’t fall into the trap of using plastic infused items.
How To Choose Vegan Leather Bags?
- Material
Many companies claim to promote themselves and their products as vegan, however in those cases, you’d see that they use similar “fabric”; that being polyurethane. As stated initially, polyurethane, however vegan, is harmful to the environment and humans.
- Type of vegan leather
Vegan leather can be composed of various items, therefore it is important to be aware of the materials that go into the making of vegan leather. In short, there are coated canvas, faux leather, artificial leather, synthetic leather, upper material PU or bicast leather, and vegetable tanned leather.
- Number of compartments and pockets
No bag should ever be excused with one main compartment. That applies to vegan leather bags too! Look for a bag that comes with multiple compartments and of course, is made with proper vegan leather.
- Depth of the bag
Like any handbag or backpack that you’d choose, you should always select a bag that will serve your purpose. Most vegan bags come in various sizes and colors and often provide a wide range of selection.
- Color of the bag
“Real” leather often ends up in the brown tone spectrum, however, vegan leather is a more fashion-forward choice since vegan leather bags come in an array of colors and shades.
Infographic: Wear A Vegan Leather Bag In Style
Vegan leather bags are an excellent way to elevate your fashion quotient while making an ethical statement. You can pair them with different outfits for different seasons and occasions. The infographic below lists some styling tips to ensure you are both chic and conscious in your choices. Check it out for more information!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Vegan bags are hyped up and there’s a reason why. These bags embody fashion ethics and a design-forward approach, while also addressing important issues such as sustainability, environmental development, and animal welfare. You can try the Montana West Hobo Bag for its sturdy straps and ample side pockets, the Badgley Mischka Diana Vegan Leather Tote Bag for everyday use, and the JW PEI Eva Shoulder Bag for its durable, chic 90s design. The best part about vegan leather bags is that they can be made with ample materials present in our surroundings, from the thrown-away plastics to plant-based leather, the means are endless. Using vegan leather also instills in us a feeling of awareness and confidence that what we do makes an impact on the world around us. Thus, we hope with our selected trendy vegan leather bags above, you too feel proud when choosing your next or first one.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Priyam Gupta, is a fashion enthusiast and loves experimenting with new and trending styles. She handpicked the best vegan bags on the market for this article after thorough research into the products and numerous reviews and feedback on trusted online forums and brand websites. The products listed in this post are made of recycled plastic, fruit skin, tree bark, and other environment-friendly materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do vegan leather bags last?
Vegan leather is a much lighter and thinner material than original leather which kind of defeats the longevity of the bags, however, a good vegan bag could last you a good 2 to 5 years.
Are vegan leather bags durable?
Yes, if taken care of properly, vegan leather bags do have a strong durability power.
How to clean vegan leather bags?
Vegan leather is usually waterproof, however, in case of a stain or dirt, you can always use a soft wet cloth and wipe it over the surface
Is vegan leather the same as faux leather?
Faux leather is a type of vegan leather, however it isn’t the vice versa. It is made of PVC and is then glazed on with wax to give a leathery finish.
Does vegan leather crack?
Yes and no. Vegan leather may tend to crack over the years of continuous use however there is a solution to prevent further cracking of your favorite vegan leather bag. A PVC moisturizer can control and prevent any cracking or crinkle.
Recommended Articles
- Best Handbags You Need To Get Your Hands
- Best Stylish Red Handbags Available
- Best Coach Handbags
- Best Everyday Handbags
Read full bio of Michelle Wagman
Read full bio of Priyam Gupta
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Read full bio of Asmita De
